Wondering something about SMR pricing

Buccaneer

Just got the latest issue and I scanned through the SMR pricing looking at about 20-30 cards. This led to ask a question. I've been getting this for over a year now and I have not noticed any changes in prices. Admittedly I am only looking at certain 1960 cards (as well as "commons" prices) and not the early stuff but still, I have to wonder how can these prices be so static?

WinPitcher

i agree

Mantlefan

I agree that there is very little new info in the SMR's. The last issue even dropped the Non-Sports listings!!

Virtualizard

I wish I could respond with an answer, but unfortunately I haven't received an issue of SMR since April! I even renewed my membership about 2 months ago. Still, nothing.

JEB.

Vargha

You only get a new issue when there is a price change.

Virtualizard

<< <i>You only get a new issue when there is a price change. >>




David, thanks for clarifying that. I was under the assumption that they'd send me the same useless info every month, regardless.

JEB.

Axtell

I signed up, what, 2 or so months ago and I never received a physical SMR price listing...is the SMR online the same thing? Or is the printed one more thorough?

jrdolan

Oh, but there is such a thrill when you see your card jump from $210 to $225 ... then you sell it for $135 on eBay ... to Levi, who then puts it up for $295 on the 707 site.

Or when 1980 Rickey Henderson PSA 9 sells for $250 or higher for 6 months in a row, and SMR still insists the going price is $175 (as of the Sept. issue).

I think a small part of SMR gets updated at a time (remember recently a few years in the early 50s suddenly moved almost as one, but the rest of the vintage era didn't twitch a muscle). It may be many months before that part is given new information. I would pay a good deal for a monthly price guide that ACCURATELY reflects shifts and trends in the entire market, not just a small grouping that gets an update because that's all they have the time or staff to do that month.

Buccaneer

I really hope that PSA would give us the option to get this worthless magazine or not. Seems like part of our membership cost goes to the privilege for us to view the slick full-page ads because apart from a few good articles, the rest can be seen online.

Imagine this:

$99 Full Membership
$84 Full Membership sans SMR Magazine
or
$99 Full Membership sans SMR Magazine but 3 extra cards graded for free

Scumbi

The SMR is on par with a bunch of other valuable magazines like:

1) The Paprika Journal
2) The Gay Rugby Players' Gazette
3) Monkey in the Middle Illustrated
4) Better Homes and Tetanus
5) British Dental Weekly
6) Modern Rodeo Clown
7) MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Magazine
8) Cat Tricks
9) The Pennsylvania Dutch Edition of Ebony
10) Lactating Bowler

S.

onegaucho

I think I'm like a few others... I'm waiting for the next $5 special to renew my membership that just ran out. The magazine doesn't really do much for me anymore - especially as far as pricing is concerned.

I've actually kept my own log of card sales in major auctions and on eBay for sets I collect (mainly T206 HOFers and 1950 Bowman Baseball). That's a better measuring stick for me these days.

AISAVDBBALLINPHILLY

I agree with doing away with the paper version of the magazine. Save everyone on both ends some money and help our friends the trees. The on-line SMR is good enough.

riccaboni

<< <i>8) Cat Tricks >>



Did that fine magazine produce this video?

-Ian

Vargha

The purpose of magazines and newspapers is to sell ads; not to make money on subscriptions.

PSARich

I don't know of a card/memorabilia collecting magazine that's not mostly advertisement and price listings. I enjoyed the articles this month, just wish there were more. There seems to be a lot of complaints about the magazine cost. I look at it as just part of the membership, along with the online access of the pop report and other information. The cost of PSA membership pretty much covers the normal fees for 6 cards x fast service. SMR is OK by me.

bxb

The SMR is only a rough guide. In many instances, it is way off, such as with values of low pop commons. My impression is that they do not have the manpower or interest to accurately upgrade current values on a monthly basis (based on auction results, etc). The same can be said for other sportscards priceguides.

Live long and prosper.

RobE

Jeb I saw a Mailman in FLA on the news searching through rubble looking for a mailbox to put an SMR addressed to someone named Buckwalter Hope the looters don't find the sealed case of 1970 Topps.

Good luck out there,man!